If the oil pressure gauge on your Toyota is fluctuating or not working at all, the oil pressure sending unit may be the cause of the problem. The first thing to do with any oil pressure-related concern is to verify that the engine has the required amount of oil and it has been changed within the last 3,000 miles. Thin or old oil can give you a low pressure reading; but if the oil is clean and full, replacement of the oil pressure sending unit is an inexpensive step that may solve your problem.

1

Open the hood of your Toyota truck. Locate the oil filter on the passenger's side of the engine then look just to the rear of it for the oil pressure sending unit.

2

Remove the wiring connector from the top of the sending unit. It will pull off if you pull it straight out from the sending unit.

3

Remove the sending unit by turning it counterclockwise with a wrench. You may get a little oil dripping out when you remove it, but with the engine off, it should not amount to much.

4

Insert the new sending unit into the hole and turn it clockwise by hand, being careful not to cross-thread it. When it is snug, tighten it with a wrench until it is secure.

5

Replace the wiring connector by pushing it onto the sending unit securely. Start the engine and verify that the oil pressure gauge is working.

Items you will need

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About the Author

Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.